Police fear somebody will be killed if a so-called ‘nail bandit’ behind a string of attacks in a housing estate is not stopped.

Several residents face hefty repair bills to fix and replace tyres after nails were placed in their driveways and under cars in the past fortnight.

Police have appealed for assistance in catching the culprit tormenting people in the Ardfreelin area of Newry, adding: "We need your help to nail a nail bandit."

An officer based in Newry, said: "Just used that headline to get your attention, but we do need your help to identify the individual that is causing lots of damage to vehicle tyres in Ardfreelin.

"Over the last number of weeks residents and visitors to Ardfreelin in Newry have suffered damage to vehicle tyres by nails laid on the road, under vehicle wheels and in private driveways.

"To date we have received over a dozen reports amassing over £1,000 in damage.

"Not only is this carry on costly for victims to repair but it could be fatal. Doing 70mph up the A1 with a nail in your tyre isn't ideal.

"Are you a joiner or builder in the area that's noticed nails missing? Do you work in a hardware store and wander why someone is purchasing so many of these nails and they aren't in a trade?

"If you know who is doing this, have any information regarding it or just heard something on the grapevine please give us a call on 101 or you can tell us anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."